Re: equivalent od #define

<xsl:variable name="index">2</xsl:variable>

don't use variable with content unless you really mean to create a result
tree fragment,

<xsl:variable name="index" select="2"/>

makes $index into the number 2 rather than a result tree fragment
representing a document node with child text node with string content 2.
Apart from being a lot more efficient it would mean you wiuldn't need
number() here:
[number($index)]

David

________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star. The
service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
http://www.star.net.uk
________________________________________________________________________